Telangana bandh hits normal life

Hyderabad, Jul 22: Normal life was affected today (Jul 22) in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh following the day-long bandh called by the Telangana political Joint Action Committee (JAC).

The shutdown has been called in protest against the state government's "fascist attitude" in refusing to allow Telangana leaders pay homage to M Yadi Reddy who allegedlty committed suicide in Delhi and its attempt to curb the right of the employees to go on strike.

Schools, colleges, shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in Hyderabad and other Telangana districts. Bandh supporters prevented the state-run Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses from plying at various places in the region.

The agitators broke windows and deflated the tyres of a few buses at some places following which APSRTC suspended its services as a precautionary measure.

Private vehicle operators like auto drivers had a field day due to the unavailability of APSRTC buses. However, the popular city bus services of APSRTC ran near normally in Hyderabad.

Attendance in government offices and others was thin. The bandh supporters held demonstrations expressing condolences to Yadi Reddy and in protest against the delay in formation of separate Telangana.

PTI